What Does It Take to Build a Restaurant?
- Brittany Rudquist
- Nov 14, 2025
- 3 min read
A Step-by-Step Look at the Commercial Construction Process
Building a restaurant is an exciting venture, but it’s also a complex process that requires the right team, clear communication, and expert coordination. During one of our recent build-outs, it struck us just how many moving parts need to align to transform an empty shell into a thriving restaurant space.
Whether this is your first restaurant or your next expansion, understanding the process—and surrounding yourself with experienced professionals—will make all the difference.
Choosing the Right Commercial General Contractor
Real estate brokers are incredible resources when you’re starting your search for a space. They know the market, understand lease terms, and can help identify potential locations that align with your vision. However, they’ll often be the first to admit—they can’t be experts in everything.
This is where involving a commercial general contractor early in the process can be invaluable. At Kindred Construction Solutions, we often join owners when they first tour potential spaces, providing real-time feedback on the feasibility of a location. By evaluating elements like existing utilities, ceiling heights, and structural considerations, we can help you and your broker determine if a space is truly a good fit for your concept.
The earlier your general contractor joins the conversation, the better. We are here to help you avoid costly surprises and streamline your timeline.
Why Early Collaboration Saves Time and Money
Once you’ve found your ideal space, you’ll need to assemble your project team—which typically includes an architect and possibly a commercial kitchen designer or vendor. The design phase can be detailed and time-intensive, often involving multiple rounds of drawings, reviews, and revisions before permit submission.
Having a trusted commercial general contractor involved early means you’ll have a partner who understands the local permitting process, can anticipate code requirements, and can coordinate closely with your architect and engineers.
At Kindred Construction Solutions, we often help clients navigate:
Plan development and coordination between design and construction teams
Review of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing needs
Scheduling and budgeting based on design updates
When the general contractor is part of those early discussions, it reduces miscommunication and keeps the project moving smoothly toward construction. The Restaurant Build-Out Process
If you haven’t selected your contractor during design, most projects go out to bid before construction begins. This bidding phase can add 3–6 weeks to your pre-construction timeline. Selecting a contractor without restaurant experience can further delay progress, as commercial kitchens require specialized knowledge and coordination.
Once a general contractor for your restaurant is selected—especially if the project is design-build—the process typically follows these steps:
Contracting and subcontracting of key trades (mechanical, plumbing, electrical, etc.)
Design development based on final equipment layouts and code compliance
Permit submission and approvals (which can vary by municipality)
Construction commencement once all required permits are released
Even small inefficiencies in these early stages can add weeks to your overall schedule. Having a strong team in place ahead of time can save you both time and stress.
Partnering with a Minneapolis General Contractor You Can Trust
At Kindred Construction Solutions, we believe every successful restaurant project starts with collaboration. Our team works hand-in-hand with brokers, architects, engineers, and many other vendors to make sure your project starts on the right foot—and finishes strong.
From first site visit to grand opening, our goal is to make the process smooth, transparent, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Ready to start planning your next restaurant?
Let’s start collaborating early in your search. Whether you’re exploring new spaces or just beginning design discussions, our team can help you make informed decisions that save time and money.
Contact Kindred Construction Solutions to start your next restaurant project today.
